Dempsey content to soak up pressure

GIRVAN DEMPSEY handles the pressure in a very professional manner. On Sunday he makes his 45th appearance for Ireland and even in these days of multiple caps, that’s a proud record.

Still, he has his detractors but coach Eddie O’Sullivan held firm when he selected his team to play Wales at Lansdowne Road.

Actually, the coach didn’t give the full back position much thought: “I think Girvan is very much maligned. People look at what other players can do and make unfair comparisons.